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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.17.22
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Reggie B
2:42
Any chance that James Pierre could start going forward?
Brian Batko
2:42
I don't think he starts once the other guys are healthy, but I do believe he put himself back on the radar if someone in front of him struggles. Less hesitation to make a switch given how Pierre played yesterday.
Brian’sTwinRyan
2:43
If we are 3-5 heading into the bye week, what are the chances we make the playoffs?
Brian Batko
2:44
What do I look like, ESPN's power index? I guess I'll go with 42%. The Steelers get games against the Saints, Falcons and Panthers in the second half.
AZ Steeler
2:45
The scheme for the secondary was simplified due to new players.  I think we should continue to let players just play fast and do there job.  Sometimes coaches over coach.  What did you see?
Brian Batko
2:46
I saw guys winning 1-on-1 or even 1-on-2 matchups up front, which always helps. When the Steelers can have success pressuring the QB when rushing only four, good things tend to happen on the back end.
Greg
2:47
Do we win that game with Pickett at QB the whole time?
Brian Batko
2:47
Sure.
artie bridge
2:48
Bats, did we see the real Claypool on Sunday, or do you anticipate a return to form?
Brian Batko
2:50
I think he has that in him. And he also got a lot of targets over the middle of the field on slants/crossers/etc. which hasn't always been the case this season when he was quiet.
Jumpin Johnny
2:51
I read recently that the Steelers have been the only team in the NFL over the past 8 - 10 years that have not drafted an offensive lineman in the first three rounds of the draft.  I think we are paying the price for those draft decisions now, what say you?
Brian Batko
2:52
Well that's not true. Chuks Okorafor was a third-rounder back in 2018, and he's still here.
Rob
2:52
Did Tampa Bay just simply beat themselves? I watch football all day Sunday and see maybe 2 jet sweeps, end rounds combined. Why does pittsburgh run this unproductive play 5, 6 times a game?
Brian Batko
2:54
It's a staple of Matt Canada's system. Sometimes it's a means to spark a running game that has struggled with more traditional actions, sometimes it's setting up things for later in the game, but yeah, it's fair to wonder if that's being overused.
Ralph Kiner
2:55
Bats--Am I wrong in saying MT looked better than KP??
Brian Batko
2:56
Trubisky's final 22 minutes or whatever it was looked like the best QB play the Steelers have gotten this season. But on balance, I like what I've seen from Pickett more than Trubisky and think he's been more consistent.
Cabbage King
2:56
Congratulations to the players and coaches after a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week. I assail Tomlin and Co. frequently, but the team was coached up with a number of injuries to key positions.
Brian Batko
2:56
Indeed, Cabbage King.
MR
2:58
Brian,  Thanks for the chats as always.  I have been a vocal critic of HC MT and agree with the criticisms specifically about assistant coaches and recent draft picks.  With that said, I am also in the camp that believe it is crazy to talk about firing him.  I think it would be difficult to give him too much credit for yesterday's win.  Listening to him during the post-game was another Master Class in not letting "highs" be too high, nor "lows" be too low.  People poke fun at his "Tomlinisms", but he is resolute in his beliefs and I think that is his strongest attribute as a leader.  What say you?
Brian Batko
2:59
He didn't win a playoff game yesterday, so I assume the most vociferous Tomlin critics aren't happy.
Daniel11
2:59
Finally a Happy Monday to you Brian, the Steelers still have a chance to win the AFC North. However, the return of #90 is a must. Do you have any idea when Watt will be back? My guess is after the bye week.
Brian Batko
3:01
My fellow Steelers beat writer at the P-G Gerry Dulac said TJ Watt is expected back for the Saints game coming out of the off week. Gerry also just wrote a very interesting piece on the QB situation with some new info that frames things in a slightly different light: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2022/10/17/mitch-trubisky...
3:02
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